Detroit vs Maui County
Michigan Legal but Limited | Hawaii Effectively Banned
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Detroit, Michigan | Maui County, Hawaii |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal but Limited | Effectively Banned |
| Permit Fee | $500 annual license fee | Set by annual budget ordinance — contact Planning Dept for current amount |
| Tax Rate | 6% Michigan use tax + 6% Detroit Accommodations Tax (12% combined) | ~18% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county MCTAT + 4% GET) |
| Annual Day Limit | 90 days/year | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | No — host must remit |
| Max Fine Example | Up to $1,000–$1,200 per violation for unlicensed operation | $20,000 first offense; $10,000/day thereafter |
| Verdict | Detroit has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
Detroit, Michigan
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $500 annual license fee
Tax Rate 6% Michigan use tax + 6% Detroit Accommodations Tax (12% combined)
Day Limit 90 days/year
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Up to $1,000–$1,200 per violation for unlicensed operation
Maui County, Hawaii
Status Effectively Banned
Permit Fee Set by annual budget ordinance — contact Planning Dept for current amount
Tax Rate ~18% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county MCTAT + 4% GET)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax No
Max Fine $20,000 first offense; $10,000/day thereafter
Detroit has more favorable STR regulations overall.
Detroit Overview
90-day annual rental cap; max 10 guests at any time; principal residence requirement. Liability insurance required and properties must pass safety inspection.
Full Detroit guide →Maui County Overview
Ordinance 5909 (signed Dec 2025) phases out all apartment-zoned vacation rentals — STR use must cease by Jan 1, 2029 in West Maui and Jan 1, 2031 elsewhere. Existing STRH and B&B permits remain but are capped. Legal challenges are pending.
Full Maui County guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Detroit or Maui County?
Detroit is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Maui County is "Effectively Banned." Detroit's permit fee is $500 annual license fee compared to Set by annual budget ordinance — contact Planning Dept for current amount in Maui County.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Detroit or Maui County?
Detroit charges 6% Michigan use tax + 6% Detroit Accommodations Tax (12% combined), while Maui County charges ~18% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county MCTAT + 4% GET). Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Detroit: Up to $1,000–$1,200 per violation for unlicensed operation. Maui County: $20,000 first offense; $10,000/day thereafter.